- Using a Nintendo Wii Fit can help elderly people avoid falling over
- The games console simulates sports such as tennis, bowling and boxing
- Uses 30 per cent less energy than physio treatment, but improves balance
By
Jenny Hope
18:50 EST, 14 March 2014
|
18:50 EST, 14 March 2014
You’re never too old to play Nintendo Wii-Fit – because it helps keep older people on their feet, claim researchers.
Those prone to falling have most to gain from the popular computer game console, which simulates sports such as tennis, bowling and boxing.
A study shows it benefits those too frail to take part in conventional physiotherapy because they are not strong or fit enough.
They tried to make me go to rehab: Playing a Nintendo Wii Fit takes 30 per cent less energy than physio, while improving balance and coordination
Playing Wii-Fit games uses 30 per cent less energy than physio treatment, but improves the balance and co-ordination needed to avoid falls.
Researchers Dr Murray Griffin and Dr Matt Taylor, from the School of Biological Sciences at Essex University, studied 20 pensioners who had suffered heart problems.
Keeping active: Nintento Wii
In the study, published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, the volunteers used a Wii-Fit balance board to play co-ordination and ski jump games.
Talking about the finding that the volunteers used less energy, Dr Griffin said: ‘This offers a real hope to some of the most vulnerable and elderly people in society whose frailty seriously impacts on their quality of life.’
Recurrent fallers cost the NHS nearly £1.7billion a year in hospital admissions and long-term care costs.
Not only can it cause broken bones and other physical damage, fallers are often left feeling anxious and less likely to move about.
This can have a negative effect on their quality of life and lead to depression.
It is thought the effect of Wii exercise on the brain may be similar to real exercise, which can boost levels of the feelgood chemical dopamine.
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Joe,
Ohio,
1 day ago
Tai Chi is good for old folks’ balance. Also, if they learn to use the top secret death touch techniques they might be able to defend themselves from young thugs.
Kath,
Sudbury Canada,
2 days ago
I wonder at the irony of this. it was a big thing with the youngsters but they soon became bored with it and the sales went down. I think the older folk just might revive this device. I personally love it but my 9 year old grandson tells me it is not interesting at all except for the one with a gun. Hmm.
Pammie,
Seaford, United Kingdom,
2 days ago
I would love it but just can’t affort it.
La-de-dah,
Lala land, United Kingdom,
2 days ago
I think these things are great. I work for a housing association who manage some sheltered schemes and we have bought Wii’s for all of our communal rooms which are well used by our elderly.
Bert Dock,
Liverpool,
2 days ago
Who`s going to switch the thing on in the first place.
AN,
London,
2 days ago
I lost 89lbs using a Wii Fit as my exercise programme! Highly recommend.
mutal,
chertsey,
2 days ago
gemma,
conwy,
2 days ago
my physio recommended this 4 years ago.
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